With him/her? NEVER!

My shield

Nara

Following our arrival to the Blackwell estate, I dismissed my maids and closed the door. I turned the lights off and pulled the curtains in. I fought myself out of my dress and the the hair decoration to the corner of the room, kicking my high heels off. After a quick, cold bath, I pulled my nightgown over my head and with a loud sigh, I threw myself onto my bed. My mind couldn't stop running over the possibilities I might have to annul the engagement. Tears burned my eyes as I remembered of the pact between the Royal family and ours. Ever since I met Arthur, I fell head over heels for him. He was so sweet, smart, calm and kind. Just like any prince from a classic fairytale. I haven't spend my time with Amelia to get closer to Arthur, and I fell for him despite knowing about the pact long ago. My masking skills must be exquisite that not even Amy noticed my crush on her brother. I envied Barak, I was jealous that he was assigned as Arthur's guard and assistant. I worked my ass off to be at least as capable as him, so we could maintain the dignity of our family. Unfortunately, my fighting skills weren't nearly enough good, and I knew well, if I ever have to fight against someone like Barak, I'll die. That's when I've started to create self defense gadgets, and potions that could be used for disguise. I wiped my tears off but they kept falling and making me more and more angrier.

- Just why can't I be someone else? - I asked out inna very low voice.

- Who would you want to be instead? - I sat up and threw a pillow against the source of the voice.

- Hey! - Nakos complained and walked to me from the door.

- I want to be alone.- I said and turned my back to him. Nakos walked in, closed the door and laid next to me in my bed. He was still in him fancy attire.

- I hope you took your shoes off before betting on my bed. - I said and heard a pair of shoes landing on the floor.

- Of course! - he lied and a small smile appeared on my face. The, oh so perfect, creme of the High society, was just like any other men. We remained silent for a while. I heard my brother taking deep breaths and decided to ask what he wanted before he fells asleep in my bed, but he spoke first.

- Why do you want to be someone else Nara? - I turned to face him and his green eyes searched mine. I covered my brother's eyes because he had that soul penetrating gaze, that made you tell him everything, including what you didn't want to.

- I'm not lady like. - I said and Nakos smiled.

- That's not it. You never truly cared about that in the first place. Be honest, I'll keep your secret as always. - he said and caressed my head. I uncovered his eyes and took a deep breath.

- I'm in trouble and I don't know how to get out of it. - I said and he elbowed up, resting his head on his hand waiting for the details.

- I... I don't want to get married to Lord Wolfie. - Nakos remained quite for a while and asked.

- Why? I mean, they are from a good family, his family had been in good terms with our for generations, he is an excellent swordsman, also, he is handsome. I mist admit that he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, from time to time, but he isn't a fool either. - I groaned in frustration and pulled my pillow onto my face.

- I know! Still... I don't want to. But it was the Emperor's order technically, and our Duchy is not like Northern Duke's, which is almost an independent little country within ours, to go against his orders. That's why I want to be someone else. If I was, I might be able to marry someone I like, someone I fell in love with... - Nakos pulled the pillow away and smiled.

- Is there already a candidate? I might be able to pull a few strings and convince the Emperor to let you off of the hook, if you have someone in mind. Just name the lucky guy! - I loved my brother so much. He was always by my side and tried to help me out, no matter what, but I knew even he couldn't help me now.

- Yes, there's one, but it's impossible for us to be together. So I have to admire him from afar, till someone else swaps me off of my feet. - Nakos hugged me and caressed my back and head. I knew he will understand even without saying more. He gave a peck on my forehead and said.

- I'm sorry Juliette, but this time, Romeo can't be yours. - I felt tears running down on my cheeks but I forced a smile on my face.

- Yeah, I know, but it hurts. - He pulled me into a hug again and after a while, when I stopped sobbing, he asked.

- Would you like me to stay? - I've nodded and he walked to the door ordering the maids to bring him him nightwear. Nakos got ready in my bathroom and crawled into my bed handing me a stuffed toy, I thought I hid well in the bathroom. He made it to me when I was a kid, it was a pink bunny, with yellow bows on her ears and if you pushed its black nose its eyes emitted a soft light.

- I don't sleep with dolls anymore. - I said and he shrugged.

- Yeah whatever, tonight you need all reinforcements. - he gave me the doll and I hugged it immediately. Nakos pulled the blanket over us and I fall asleep to my brother caressing my head. The next morning we woke up to two pairs of eyes staring at us with a disapproving glance from the end of my bed.

- Pyjama party kids? Seriously? - dad asked and mom rolled her eyes.

- Nakos, you have your own child, can't you finally grow up? - she asked nagging us. Nakos got out of bed and cleared his throat.

- Taking in consideration the events of last night and the fact, that I haven't been present in my younger sister's life recently due to my professional and personal duties, I've made the decision of holding a nightgown gathering with limited guests tp catch up the lost time. - Mom sighed and buried her face in her hands while dad tried to hold his laughter back. Nakos glanced at me and without even trying to hide his tricks, he winked and showed me thumbs up. I laughed and he asked.

- Do you think they believed it? - he asked whispering out loud.

- We are still here... And hear you.. Oh whatever. Come down for breakfast. - mom said and she walked out while dad tried to calm her down, but his shoulders were shaking due to his chuckles.